Figure I'd create a thread for this since we have more info now thanks to Built Form. The architect is Merrick Architecture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built Form

Sorry I've been sitting on this for a bit. Here's the details for the proposed development at the corner of Howe and Drake.
41 floors, 375 ft, 325 market suites, proposed contribution towards rental housing either on site or off, 17 artist 'work only' studios on a 3 year renewal cycle, 3 CRUs (2 on Drake, 1 on Howe), 9.19 FSR+public amenity space (the artist studios).

The original design called for a 300 footer but they've increased the height to come just under the Queen Elizabeth Park view cone. Sorry guys but all the existing buildings, including the housing on Drake/Howe corner will be razed. The existing office space will be replaced with 10, 500 sq ft of artists studios in a unique 6 story building that is adjacent to the condo tower. It will have an interior 'Highstreet of the Arts' connecting Howe with the alley along with a Facility Reserve Fund. 35, 000 sq ft of off-site heritage density is proposed to be purchased. Here are some pix showing the building in relation to Burrard Gateway.

All pix by Built Form

Quote:

Originally Posted by phesto

Apparently there will shortly be a full rezoning submission for a 40-storey tower at Howe and Drake.

Aww too bad this little collection of older Vancouver will go, I always liked this little grouping of buildings. It's a miracle they all survived this long:

Yeah, generally there's nothing to cry about losing these, unless you grew up there or such. / / / However, that grove of trees in the top picture is something worth saving. Hope they can work them into the new design.

Is the height of this thing correct? at 114m and 41 stories that equates to 2.78m per floor, including slab and that doesnt even take into account a mechanical penthouse which would be at least 4 m. At 110m, that equates to 2.68m, subtract off an 8" slab, rougly 0.2 of a meter and you are left with 2.5m or just over 8 feet. 8 feet is a stardard res floor but this is not including any services in the ceiling or flooring and also assumes an 8 foot lobby level.

I dont know, im not a residential architect, but something seems a bit off.

I really wouldn't consider their replacement much of a loss. It's a rather seedy looking little chunk of buildings.

Obviously, one of the houses is abandoned and the rest of the buildings have been neglected for a long time. I'm more lamenting the loss of the one of the few remaining downtown heritage houses and one of the few remaining downtown heritage apartments.

While it may be unfair to judge from this low-quality rendering, it looks pretty bland. Even the 7 floor streetwall (which I'm normally a sucker for) doesn't look great - monotonous without an urban, modern feel.

While it may be unfair to judge from this low-quality rendering, it looks pretty bland. Even the 7 floor streetwall (which I'm normally a sucker for) doesn't look great - monotonous without an urban, modern feel.

Looking at the rendering, I agree 100%.
In particular, I don't like the use of that industrial red against the grey. Gives it a harsh, jarring effect, (IMHO)

yeah, doesn't really fit with the description of the new design. which is a shame, i really like that flat blocky mid-century type streetwall, especially in a residential hood like that, it would be something special.